Fingerprinting, Background Check, and Character and Fitness Supplement

Washington puts a high priority on ensuring that the children attending its schools are safe from harm and are provided with positive role models among those who teach them. For this reason, the state will not issue a teaching certificate until completion of a background check and fingerprinting.

In addition, at the time you apply for a certificate, you will be asked to fill out the Character and Fitness Supplement, which asks about your legal history and other factors which may impact your ability to be an effective teacher. You will also be asked to submit fingerprints for a background check by the state patrol and FBI.